AGENCY:
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
This rule prescribes special late season migratory bird hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands and ceded lands. This responds to tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions.
DATES:
This rule takes effect on September 29, 2000.
ADDRESSES:
You may inspect comments on the special hunting regulations and tribal proposals during normal business hours in Room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703/358-1714).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, having due regard for the zones of temperature and for the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory game birds, to determine when, to what extent, and by what means such birds or any part, nest or egg thereof may be taken, hunted, captured, killed, possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, carried, exported or transported.
In the August 18, 2000, Federal Register (65 FR 50483), we proposed special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2000-01 hunting season for certain Indian tribes, under the guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). The guidelines respond to tribal requests for Service recognition of their reserved hunting rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers on their reservations. The guidelines include possibilities for:
(1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers, with hunting by non-tribal members on some reservations to take place within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by the surrounding State(s);
(2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and possession limits; and
(3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands, outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.
In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must be consistent with the March 10-September 1 closed season mandated by the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada.
In the April 25, 2000, Federal Register (65 FR 24260), we requested that tribes desiring special hunting regulations in the 2000-01 hunting season submit a proposal including details on:
(a) Harvest anticipated under the requested regulations;
(b) Methods that would be employed to measure or monitor harvest (such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.);
(c) Steps that would be taken to limit level of harvest, where it could be shown that failure to limit the harvest would adversely impact the migratory bird resource; and
(d) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird hunting regulations.
No action is required if a tribe wishes to observe the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which an Indian reservation is located. We have successfully used the guidelines since the 1985-86 hunting season. We finalized the guidelines beginning with the 1988-89 hunting season (August 18, 1988, Federal Register [53 FR 31612]).
Although the proposed rule included generalized regulations for both early-and late-season hunting, this rulemaking addresses only the late-season proposals. Early-season proposals were was addressed in the September 1 Federal Register (65 FR 53190). As a general rule, early seasons begin during September each year and have a primary emphasis on such species as mourning and white-winged dove. Late seasons begin about October 1 or later each year and have a primary emphasis on waterfowl.
Status of Populations
In the August 18 Federal Register, we reviewed the status for various populations for which seasons were proposed. This information included brief summaries of the May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey and population status reports for blue-wing teal, Canada goose populations hunted in September seasons, sea ducks, sandhill cranes, woodcock, mourning doves, white-winged doves, white-tipped doves, and band-tailed pigeons. As a result of these status, we have responded by proposing Flyway frameworks that are essentially the same as those of last season for the 2000-01 waterfowl hunting season (August 22, 2000, Federal Register, 65 FR 51174). The tribal seasons established below are commensurate with the population status.
Comments and Issues Concerning Tribal Proposals
For the 2000-01 migratory bird hunting season, we proposed regulations for 25 tribes and/or Indian groups that followed the 1985 guidelines and were considered appropriate for final rulemaking. Some of the proposals submitted by the tribes had both early- and late-season elements. However, as noted earlier, only those with late-season proposals are included in this final rulemaking; 15 tribes have proposals with late seasons. Comments and proposals are addressed in the following section. The comment period for the proposed rule, published on August 18, 2000, closed on August 28, 2000.
We received one comment regarding the notice of intent published on April 25, 2000, which announced rulemaking on regulations for migratory bird hunting by American Indian tribal members. We responded to this comment in the September 1 Federal Register.
NEPA Consideration
Under the requirements of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), the “Final Environmental Statement for the Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FES-75-74)” was filed with the Council on Environmental Quality on June 6, 1975, and notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on June 13, 1975 (40 FR 25241). A supplement to the final environmental statement, the “Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (SEIS 88-14)” was filed on June 9, 1988, and notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582), and June 17, 1988 (53 FR 22727). Copies of these documents are available from us at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. In addition, an August 1985 Environmental Assessment titled “Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands” is available from the same address.
Endangered Species Act Considerations
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, “The Secretary shall review other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this Act” (and) shall “insure that any action authorized, funded or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] habitat * * * ” Consequently, we conducted consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion and may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed. The final frameworks reflect any modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from our Section 7 consultation are public documents available for public inspection in the Service's Division of Endangered Species and DMBM, at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail and issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 1998. The Analysis documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The Analysis was based on the 1996 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $429 million and $1,084 million at small businesses in 1998. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request.
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866
Collectively, the rules covering the overall frameworks for migratory bird hunting are economically significant and have been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866. This rule is a small portion of the overall migratory bird hunting frameworks and was not individually submitted and reviewed by OMB under E.O. 12866.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808 (1) and this rule will be effective immediately.
Paperwork Reduction Act
We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. We utilize the various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 9/30/2001). This information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire and assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 7/31/2003). The information from this survey is used to estimate the magnitude, the geographical and temporal distribution of harvest, and the portion it constitutes of the total population. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking will not “significantly or uniquely” affect small governments, and will not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
Under E.O. 12630, these rules, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, do not have significant takings implications and do not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. These rules will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise privileges that would be otherwise unavailable; and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections and employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, under E.O. 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Thus, under the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, by virtue of the tribal proposals received in response to the April 25, 2000, request for proposals and the August 18, 2000, proposed rule, we have consulted with all the tribes affected by this rule.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, the tribes would have insufficient time to communicate these seasons to their member and non-tribal hunters and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions.
We therefore find that “good cause” exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these regulations will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication.
Therefore, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918, as amended (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), we prescribe final hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands), and ceded lands. The regulations specify the species to be hunted and establish season dates, bag and possession limits, season length, and shooting hours for migratory game birds.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
- Exports
- Hunting
- Imports
- Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
- Transportation
- Wildlife
Accordingly, part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 20—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j.
(Note: The following hunting regulations provided for by 50 CFR 20.110 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature).
2. Section 20.110 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (f), (g), (j), (o), (p) and (r), and by adding paragraphs (s) through (y) to read as set forth below. (Current § 20.110 was published at 65 FR 53193, September 1, 2000.)
(a) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 15, 2000; then open November 17, 2000, close January 7, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: For the early season, daily bag limit is 10 mourning or 10 white-winged doves, singly, or in the aggregate. For the late season, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin October 7, 2000, close January 21, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than one pintail, two redheads, two hen mallards, four scaup, two goldeneyes, two cinnamon teal, and one canvasback. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots and Common Moorhens
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the aggregate.
Geese
Season Dates: Begin November 18, 2000, end January 14, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, including no more than two dark (Canada) geese and three white (snow, blue, Ross's) geese. The possession limit is eight.
General Conditions: A valid Colorado River Indian Reservation hunting permit is required for all persons 14 years and older and must be in possession before taking any wildlife on tribal lands. Any person transporting game birds off the Colorado River Indian Reservation must have a valid transport declaration form. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be obtained at the Fish and Game Office in Parker, Arizona.
(b) Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Fort Thompson, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Sandhill Cranes
Season Dates: Open September 16, close October 22, 2000.
Daily Bag Limit: Three sandhill cranes.
Permits: Each person participating in the sandhill crane season must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit in their possession while hunting.
Ducks
Season Dates: Begin October 7, end December 19, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than five mallards (including no more than two female mallards), one mottled duck, one canvasback, two redheads, one pintail, two scaup, and two wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Five mergansers, including no more than one hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 21, 2000, end January 23, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six, respectively.
White-Fronted Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 30, end December 24, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 30, close December 24, 2000, then open February 19, close March 10, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 geese daily, no possession limit.
General Conditions: The waterfowl hunting regulations established by this final rule apply only to tribal and trust lands within the external boundaries of the reservation. Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe also apply on the reservation.
(f) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Tribal Members
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 15, 2000, close January 31, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than one pintail, two hen mallards, four scaup, and one canvasback.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2000, close January 31, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, including four dark geese but not more than three light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
General: Tribal members must possess a validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a tribal ceded lands permit.
Non-Tribal Hunters
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 30, 2000, close January 21, 2001. During this period, days to be hunted are specified by the Kalispel Tribe as weekends, holidays and for a continuous period in the months of December and January. Non-tribal hunters should contact the tribe for more detail on hunting days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than one pintail, two hen mallards, two redheads, four scaup, and one canvasback.
Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, close January 21, 2001. During this period, days to be hunted are specified by the Kalispel Tribe as weekends, holidays and for a continuous period in the months of December and January. Non-tribal hunters should contact the tribe for more detail on hunting days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, including four dark geese but not more than three light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
General: Hunters must observe all State and Federal regulations, such as those contained in 50 CFR part 20 and including the possession of a validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.
(g) Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Manistee, Michigan (Tribal Members Only)
Ducks
Season Dates: Begin September 30, end November 28, 2000.
Daily Bag Limits: Six ducks, including no more than four mallards (only one of which may be a hen), three scaup, one black duck, two redheads, two wood ducks, one pintail, and one canvasback.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Five mergansers, including no more than one hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules)
Season Dates: Begin September 30, end November 28, 2000.
Daily Bag Limit: 15 coots and common moorhens (common gallinules), singly or in the aggregate.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 15, then open September 17, close October 4, 2000.
Daily Bag Limits: Five geese in the first portion and two geese thereafter.
Other Geese
Season Dates: Same as for ducks.
Daily Bag Limits: Ten geese, including no more than two whitefronts or two brant.
Rails, Snipe, and Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 15, close November 14, 2000.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 rails, 8 snipe, and 3 woodcock.
General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit, except for rails, which are equal to the daily bag limit.
(j) Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nonmembers)
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 30, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1, close September 30, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, close January 14, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scaup, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Dark Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, end January 7, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six geese, respectively.
Coots and Common Moorhens
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and moorhens, singly or in the aggregate.
General Conditions: Tribal and non-tribal hunters will comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Navajo Nation also apply on the reservation.
(o) Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Tulalip Indian Reservation, Marysville, Washington (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Tribal Members
Ducks/Coot
Season Dates: Open September 15, 2000, and close February 1, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 birds, respectively; except that bag and possession limits are restricted for blue-winged teal, canvasback, harlequin, pintail, and wood duck to those established for the Pacific Flyway by final Federal frameworks, to be announced.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 15, 2000, and close February 1, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 geese, respectively; except that the bag limits for brant and cackling and dusky Canada geese are those established for the Pacific Flyway under final Federal frameworks, to be announced. The tribes also set a maximum annual bag limit on ducks and geese for those tribal members who engage in subsistence hunting.
Non-Tribal Hunters
Ducks
Season Dates: Begin October 7, 2000, end January 21, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scaup, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots.
Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 14, 2000, end January 21, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, including four dark geese but no more than three light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Begin January 6, end January 21, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four brant, respectively.
General Conditions: All waterfowl hunters, members and non-members, must obtain and possess while hunting a valid hunting permit from the Tulalip tribes. Also, non-tribal members sixteen years of age and older, hunting under Tulalip Tribes' Ordinance No. 67, must possess a validated Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a validated State of Washington Migratory Waterfowl Stamp. All Tulalip tribal members must have in their possession while hunting, or accompanying another, their valid tribal identification card. All hunters are required to adhere to a number of other special regulations enforced by the tribes and available at the tribal office.
(p) Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, Massachusetts (Tribal Members Only)
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2000, and close January 20, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, two black ducks (one black duck from December 2 to December 9, 2000), two mottled ducks, one fulvous whistling duck, four mergansers, three scaup, one hooded merganser, two wood ducks, one canvasback, two redheads, one pintail, and one hen eider. The season is closed for harlequin ducks. In addition to the daily duck bag limit, a daily bag limit of six teal is allowed.
Sea Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 14, 2000, and close January 6, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks including no more than four of any one species.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 19, 2000, and close January 20, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 Canada geese and 15 snow geese.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open October 14, and close November 15, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three woodcock.
General Conditions: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Non-toxic shot is required. Tribal members will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20.
(r) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 6, close September 20, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six pigeons, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 6, close September 20, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin October 21, 2000, end January 21, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four ducks, including no more than three mallards (including no more than one hen mallard), two redheads or one canvasback and one redhead, and one pintail. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots, Moorhens and Gallinules
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots, moorhens, and gallinules, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 21, 2000, end January 12, 2001.
Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six, respectively.
General Conditions: All non-tribal hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves on Reservation lands shall have in their possession a valid White Mountain Apache Daily or Yearly Small Game Permit. In addition to a small game permit, all non-tribal hunters hunting band-tailed pigeons must have in their possession a White Mountain Special Band-tailed Pigeon Permit. Other special regulations established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe apply on the reservation. Tribal and non-tribal hunters will comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR Part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition:
(1) The area open to waterfowl hunting in the above seasons consists of: the entire length of the Black River west of the Bonito Creek and Black River confluence and the entire length of the Salt River forming the southern boundary of the reservation; the White River, extending from the Canyon Day Stockman Station to the Salt River; and all stock ponds located within Wildlife Management Units 4, 5, 6, and 7. Tanks located below the Mogollon Rim, within Wildlife Management Units 2 and 3 will be open to waterfowl hunting during the 2000-01 season. All other waters of the reservation will be closed to waterfowl hunting for the 2000-01 season.
(2) Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking.
(3) See other special regulations established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe that apply on the reservation, available from the reservation Game and Fish Department.
(s) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Non-Tribal Hunters)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, end January 14, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scaup, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag and possession limit is 25.
Geese
Dark Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, end January 7, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four and eight geese, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, end January 7, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six geese, respectively.
General Conditions: Non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 regarding manner of taking. In addition, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset and each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes also apply on the reservation.
(t) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, New Mexico (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin October 7, end November 30, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is seven, including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, two redheads, four scaup, and one canvasback. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 7, end November 30, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
General Conditions: Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Jicarilla Tribe also apply on the reservation.
(u) Klamath Tribe, Chiloquin, Oregon (Tribal Members Only)
Ducks
Season Dates: Begin October 1, 2000, end January 28, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 18 ducks, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots.
Geese
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 geese, respectively.
General: The Klamath Tribe provides its game management officers, biologists and wildlife technicians with regulations enforcement authority, and has a court system with judges that hear cases and set fines.
(v) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin October 7, 2000, end January 11, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than five mallards (only one of which may be a hen), one pintail, three scaup, one mottled duck, two redheads, one canvasback, two wood ducks, and one hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 14, 2000, end January 16, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
White-Fronted Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 14, 2000, end January 7, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 14, 2000, end January 14, 2001, then begin February 24, end March 9, 2001.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese.
General Conditions: All hunters must comply with the basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, including the use of steel shot. Non-tribal hunters must possess a validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an official Conservation Code that hunters must adhere to when hunting in areas subject to control by the tribe.
(w) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort Hall, Idaho (Non-Tribal Hunters)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin October 7, 2000, end January 19, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, one scaup, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 mergansers, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 coots, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 14, 2000, end January 19, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, including not more than three light geese or two white-fronted geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
General Conditions: Non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Other regulations established by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also apply on the reservation.
(x) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal Members Only)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin September 30, 2000, end February 21, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks, including no more than 2 hen mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 4 scaup, and 2 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots.
Geese
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven geese, including seven dark geese but no more than six light geese. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 brant, respectively.
General Conditions: The Swinomish Tribal Community has established additional special regulations for on-reservation hunting. Tribal hunters should consult the tribal office for additional information.
(y) Yankton Sioux Tribe, Marty, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Non-Tribal Hunters)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Begin October 14, end December 26, 2000.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than five mallards (no more than two hen mallards), two redheads, one pintail, one hooded merganser, one canvasback, three scaup, and two wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 30 coots, respectively.
Dark Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 28, 2000, end January 30, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three geese, including no more than one white-fronted goose (or brant). The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Begin October 28, 2000, end February 11, 2001.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 geese, no possession limit.
General Conditions:
(1) The waterfowl hunting regulations established by this final rule apply to tribal and trust lands within the external boundaries of the reservation.
(2) Tribal and non-tribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Yankton Sioux Tribe also apply on the reservation.
Dated: September 27, 2000.
Stephen C. Saunders,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 00-25177 Filed 9-27-00; 3:38 pm]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P